How to Attach Curtains to Vertical Blinds

Installing curtains over blinds can be accomplished the same way curtains are hung over a window with no blinds. Blinds hanging horizontally or vertically typically have a top frame piece extending across the window. In some cases, this frame piece is cosmetic instead of functional. Curtains can be attached to vertical blinds without complicated hardware, drilling or even hanging a curtain rod. Attach curtains to the top frame piece using industrial-strength, self-adhesive hook and loop tape.

Measure the window's width. Measure the length of the window from the frame installed above the vertical blinds to where you want the new curtains to extend before buying them.

Measure the width of the curtain panel or drapery panel you wish to attach to the vertical blinds. To determine the correct width for a curtain panel, multiply the width of the window by two. A drapery panel has a stiff top and should measure about the width of the window, plus 4 inches. To gather a rod pocket curtain panel, proceed to Step 3. To continue installing the panel, proceed to Step 4.

Measure and cut elastic to the window's width measurement. Connect a safety pin to one end of the elastic and to the inside edge of the back of the rod pocket. Connect the other pin to the other elastic end and feed it through the rod pocket. When the pin and elastic emerge from the other side, pin the pin and elastic to the inside back edge of the rod pocket.

Measure and cut a piece of hook and a piece of loop tape to the window's width measurement.

Apply the hook tape's adhesive side to the front top edge of the frame extending across the vertical blinds. Rub the tape vigorously for a good bond between the adhesive and blind frame.

Lay the curtain panel or drapery panel on a flat surface with the back of the curtain/drape facing you. Press the loop tape's adhesive side to the back of the gathered rod pocket curtain panel or along the back of the drapery panel where you normally would install drapery hooks.

Press the loop tape applied to the back of the curtain/drape to the hook tape applied to the frame above the vertical blinds.

Tip

Hook and loop tape often is referred to by its popular brand name, Velcro. Originally designed in 1948 by a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral, hook and loop tape is sold under many brand names and is available in rolls, pre-cut strips and shapes. Hook and loop tape also is available in self-adhesive and sewable styles.

Tips and warnings

Hook and loop tape often is referred to by its popular brand name, Velcro. Originally designed in 1948 by a Swiss engineer named George de Mestral, hook and loop tape is sold under many brand names and is available in rolls, pre-cut strips and shapes. Hook and loop tape also is available in self-adhesive and sewable styles.